The March 2010 ordinary session of the National Assembly started yesterday.

Members of Parliament yesterday, March 1 started the ordinary session of the National Assembly for the 2010 legislative year with a standing ovation for the provisional bureau, at the helm of which is Hon. P. C. Fonso, the eldest MP of the House. He is from the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF).What remains historic was that an opposition Member of Parliament was chairing deliberations at the opening session of the elective March session of the National Assembly, a rare occurrence in recent times and the fact that it was the first experience for the new Secretary General of the House, Yene Ossomba Victor.

The members of government, led by the Prime Minister, Philemon Yang, members of the diplomatic corps, MPs and others present at the Ngoa-Ekelle Glass House yesterday, left commenting on the pertinent messages of Hon. P.C. Fonso who thanked God for giving him long life. He said parliamentarians will give their utmost support to all events organised to celebrate 50 years of Cameroon's independence and re-unification of East and West Cameroon. Hon. P.C. Fonso while stating that peace is the greatest achievement Cameroon has got in 50 years of independence despite a few upheavals inherent in the life of any nation under construction, said, "peace in this country is a real divine benediction. Let us preserve it". On behalf of the Parliament, the eldest MP lauded the Head of State, Paul Biya for the assistance of FCFA 500 million sent to the Haiti earthquake victims.

Parliament would want government to ensure the effective execution of announced giant projects in the mining, electricity, ports and infrastructure sectors. Hon. P.C. Fonso said the projects have a direct bearing on employment and economic development of the country. He equally lauded government for reviving the agricultural pastoral show with the announcement of that of Ebolowa to take place in 2010. "I congratulate the government of the Republic for having revived the Agricultural Pastoral Show", the eldest MP said. Parliamentarians, he appealed should uphold the dignity of their work by showing maturity and putting general interest first in all issues under debate.

Parliamentarians used the opening plenary sitting to also share among themselves, discuss with members of government. Pressmen on their part, rushed after MPs at the opening plenary sitting for interviews. What remains now is the election of the permanent bureau of the National Assembly to pilot the affaires of the House for the 2010 legislative year.